Fitness

10 Major Health Benefits of Playing Basketball

March 28, 2018

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10 Major Health Benefits of Playing Basketball

Basketball is one of the most loved games around the world In the United States, it is the second most popular sport and enjoyed by people of all ages. Apart from being a popular game, it helps you stay fit and healthy if you indulge yourself playing the game. It is not only about shooting and dribbling the ball on the court but also, a game that improves your mental health and keeps you in shape. You do not have to be a professional player to derive the health benefits of playing basketball. Spending a few hours on the court can make you lose those extra kilos and improve overall health. Playing basketball is a full body workout session in itself as it needs explosive power, quick response, and core strength at the least.

Calories Burner

While playing basketball you are always on the move whether you are shooting for the ring or playing in defense. It is a fast-paced game that requires the player to constantly run and jump on the court. This is what makes the viewers so invested in the game as well as the players. It makes you sweat and burn a lot of calories within a short span of time. Even for playing basketball, you have to be physically and mentally strong throughout the game.

Strength Training

The continuous running, dribbling, shooting and passing the ball not just need your legs to be stronger and firmer but also it needs a lot of wrist movements, stronger hand muscles, and arms. Even the core muscles get stronger while playing this game.

Stress Reliever

It is always a good idea to get involved in this sport and playing basketball is a really fun activity. When you play basketball with your friends or in a competitive team, it takes off the out of court stress. Even just playing at your own practicing can give you some ‘me time’ and stop worrying about other life issues.

Supports Mental Development

Basketball gives you many opportunities to concentrate on different strategies at a time and many times devise a new strategy on the court. Constant looking for the possession of the ball, finding ways to defend the ball while shooting the ball into the ring – all of this needs complete attention and mental focus.

Protects Against Bone Loss

Basketball being a weight-bearing physical activity helps increase the bone density and bone mass as the force placed on the bones stimulates the production of a new bone matrix. It also strengthens the ligaments supporting the joints. Overall it makes the bones and bone muscles stronger and healthier.

Boosts Endurance levels

This is a game of utter strength and stamina. Basketball lasts for not less than 40-minutes and in those 40-minutes you are never standing in one place. It is mandatory to have a lot of stamina and strength during the game and make your body adapt to the needs of the game.

Improves Coordination and Motor Skills:

While playing basketball you need excellent coordination between eyes, hands and your full body. The rebounding shots and dribbling makes you enhance your body coordination skills. It enhances your motor skills to perfection.

Increases Flexibility and Speed

One major health benefit of playing basketball is it increases the ability of the body to flex and move faster in stressful moments. You develop skill par excellence which is very difficult for a normal person. Your body starts moving and responding to the situation in much quicker and more flexible ways.

Develops Concentration and Self-discipline

When it comes to the mental and emotional benefits of basketball, concentration and self-discipline are one of them. Breaking rules in the game can lead to penalties and make your team lose the game. It takes a great degree of concentration to make you follow the rules and react according to the guidelines. It also makes your lifestyle disciplined.

Builds Confidence

It is a game and a game can either be won or lost. In both ways, it builds the confidence of a person. The support and cheers you get from the crowd instantly boosts your self-esteem when you shoot the ball with dexterity. Even if you are not playing well, the determination and endurance makes you improve your game, which in turn makes you overcome the hurdles and enhances your confidence.